Maple Bacon Turkey Sliders (Hawaiian Rolls)
35 min
|
easy
|
high-protein
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 20 min | 35 min |
Introduction
These maple bacon turkey sliders turn leftover turkey into a sweet, smoky, irresistible little party sandwich.
Buttery Hawaiian rolls, crisp bacon, and a touch of real maple syrup make every bite salty-sweet and extra comforting.
They come together fast for game day, holiday weekends, or an easy weeknight dinner everyone can grab and go.
Ingredients (6 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Maple Bacon Turkey Sliders (Hawaiian Rolls)
-
Preheat the oven and prep the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center position.
Line a sheet pan with foil, then lightly coat it with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.
-
Cook and glaze the bacon
Measure out the 3 tablespoons maple syrup, then spoon 1 teaspoon into a small bowl if you plan to make sauce.
Place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until browned but still flexible, 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain the bacon on paper towels, then return it to the skillet and drizzle with the remaining maple syrup.
Toss for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat until the bacon looks glossy and evenly coated, then turn off heat.
-
Slice the rolls and make the spread
Without separating the individual rolls, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom slab.
Place the bottom slab on the prepared sheet pan, cut side up, and set the top slab aside.
If using, stir the mayonnaise, Dijon, and reserved teaspoon of maple syrup together in the small bowl.
Spread this mixture over the cut side of the bottom rolls for a creamy, tangy base layer.
-
Layer in the leftover turkey and maple bacon
Arrange the sliced leftover turkey breast evenly over the sauced roll bottoms, covering the entire surface.
Lay the maple-glazed bacon strips over the turkey in a single layer so each upcoming sandwich gets some.
Place the top slab of rolls over the bacon, lining up the edges with the bottom slab.
-
Make and brush on the garlic butter
Stir the melted butter and garlic powder together in a small bowl until the garlic looks fully dissolved.
Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops and sides of the rolls, letting it drip down the edges.
-
Bake the sliders
Cover the pan loosely with foil, tenting it so the foil does not touch the tops of the rolls.
Bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 to 7 more minutes, until the tops look golden and crisp.
Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes so the fillings set slightly and are easier to slice and serve.
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Slice and serve
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut between the rolls, creating individual sliders for serving.
Serve warm with extra Dijon, mayonnaise, or hot sauce on the side if your crew likes options.
Substitutions
- Replace bacon with turkey bacon
- Turkey bacon still gives a smoky, salty bite but with less rendered fat and a slightly lighter feel. Cook it just until crisp around the edges so it does not dry out during baking.
- Use brioche slider buns instead of Hawaiian rolls
- Brioche slider buns stay soft and buttery but bring a little less sweetness, which can make the maple bacon pop. Brush them very well with the garlic butter so they still taste rich and indulgent.
- Swap mayonnaise for cranberry sauce in the spread
- Cranberry sauce adds a bright, sweet-tart layer that pairs beautifully with leftover turkey and smoky bacon. Spread a thin layer so the rolls do not get soggy, and keep the maple flavor in balance.
Tips
- Warm the turkey slightly first
- If your leftover turkey is very cold, warm it briefly in the microwave until just lukewarm before layering. This helps it heat evenly in the oven and stay more moist.
- Do not overcook the bacon glaze
- Keep the heat low after adding maple syrup so the sugars do not burn or turn bitter. You just want a shiny coating that clings to each strip.
- Tent the foil for perfect tops
- Tenting the foil keeps the rolls from steaming too much while still protecting them from burning. Leave some space over the rolls so hot air can circulate for a light, crisp finish.
- Let the sliders rest before slicing
- Those five minutes of resting time keep the fillings from sliding out when you cut between the rolls. You also avoid burning fingers on hot maple syrup and butter.
- Turn them into a Thanksgiving party board
- Arrange the cut sliders on a big board with pickles, extra maple syrup, mustards, and leftover cranberry sauce. Guests can customize each little sandwich and it feels fun and festive.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 667 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 55 | g |
| Total Fat | 32 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How can I keep the leftover turkey from drying out in these sliders?
- Covering the pan with foil for the first part of baking traps gentle steam and keeps the turkey moist. Avoid baking longer than needed; once the tops are golden and the center feels hot, pull them out. You can also drizzle a tablespoon of chicken broth over the turkey before adding bacon for extra insurance.
- Can I assemble these maple bacon turkey sliders ahead of time?
- You can assemble the sliders through layering the turkey and bacon, then cover tightly and refrigerate up to one day. Wait to brush on the garlic butter until right before baking so the tops do not get soggy. Add five extra minutes of covered baking time since you are starting from cold.
- What if I do not have Hawaiian rolls for this sandwich recipe?
- Any soft dinner rolls or slider buns will work, as long as they are close in size and packed together. If they are not sweet, you may enjoy an extra drizzle of maple syrup on the bacon.
- How should I reheat leftover sliders without drying them out?
- Place the sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F until heated through, about 10 minutes. You can also reheat one or two in the microwave on medium power, wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel.
Serving Suggestions
These maple bacon turkey sliders turn leftover turkey into a cozy little party on a pan.
Serve them with crunchy pickles, a crisp green salad, or sweet potato fries for a complete post-Thanksgiving meal.
For an extra treat, tuck in a thin slice of sharp cheddar or a spoonful of cranberry sauce before baking.
More pairings:
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